40A:9-22.21. Municipal code of ethics established

Within 90 days after the establishment of a municipal ethics board, that ethics board shall promulgate by resolution a municipal code of ethics for all local government officers and employees serving the municipality. Local government officers and employees serving a municipal independent authority shall be deemed to be serving the municipality for purposes of this act.

The municipal code of ethics so promulgated shall be either identical to the provisions set forth in section 5 of this act or more restrictive, but shall not be less restrictive. Within 15 days following the promulgation thereof, the municipal code of ethics, and a notice of the date of the public hearing to be held thereon, shall be published in at least one newspaper circulating within the municipality and shall be distributed to the municipal clerk and to the heads of the local government agencies serving the municipality for circulation among the local government officers and employees serving the municipality. The municipal ethics board shall hold a public hearing on the municipal code of ethics not less than 30 days following its promulgation at which any local government officer or employee serving the municipality and any other person wishing to be heard shall be permitted to testify. As a result of the hearing, the ethics board may amend or supplement the municipal code of ethics as it deems necessary. If the municipal code of ethics is not identical to the provisions set forth in section 5 of this act, the municipal ethics board shall thereafter submit the municipal code of ethics to the Local Finance Board for approval. The board shall approve or disapprove a municipal code of ethics within 60 days following receipt. If the board fails to act within that period, the municipal code of ethics shall be deemed approved. A municipal code of ethics requiring board approval shall take effect for all local government officers and employees serving the municipality 60 days after approval by the board. A municipal code of ethics identical to the provisions set forth in section 5 of this act shall take effect 10 days after the public hearing held thereon. The municipal ethics board shall forward a copy of the municipal code of ethics to the municipal clerk and shall make copies of the municipal code of ethics available to local government officers and employees serving the municipality.

L.1991,c.29,s.21.